GROUND ZERO I have pondered the shape and dimensions of the Universe Wondering how it fits into the space of my own consciousness Though dreaded, I never expected to see the world in which I live Blown up before my eyes As reality shook the foundations of the buildings It began shaking my own heart and mind as well The mysteries of the Universe lie within As do the answers to this war It is in the past, it is in the present, it is in the future My own fears, tears and anger threatened to overwhelm me As flames tore through my heart, along with the lives of thousands I could not see us or them This was not just outside of me, but within Not only nation against nation But husband against wife, mother against child War wages internally Thus the battle of purification lies deep within The dust of internal disharmony chokes the breath of eternal life from us Our veins are clogged with the impurities of judgementalism and contempt Our minds are muddied with confusion and pain from by-gone eras With a pride that leads to error and arrogance We set ourselves up against others to become their judges and leaders Religious dogma, social norms and personal beliefs Justifying our blinded attacks on those we love or hate We trap ourselves in our own cages Condemning others for the crimes we commit Intelligence is used against that which fuels our emotions, rather than wisdom Our fear increases the distance between mind and heart, poverty and wealth And destroys the very things we desire Pray for peace – the world lies within each heart Close the door to mortality, not individuality Listen to the still small voice that holds the keys to freedom Look within – we are both the problem and the answer. Annette Ahlers Sept 11, 2001 Copyright © 2001, Annette Ahlers, All rights reserved.